School Based Occupational Therapy
Schools provide occupational therapy when a child with a disability requires this related service to assist the child to benefit from special education. Occupational therapists use purposeful activity to facilitate a child's active participation in self-maintenance; academic and vocational pursuits; and play or leisure activities that occur in school environments. Using direct and indirect services, as well as assistive technology and environmental modifications, school occupational therapists collaborate with parents, teachers and other educational staff to help implement a child's special education program. For information about occupational therapy in Wisconsin Administrative Code, please see chapters PI 11.24 and OT 1 through 6.
Approximately 400 occupational therapists and 100 occupational therapy assistants are employed in Wisconsin public schools. These occupational therapists serve almost 10,000 children from the ages of 3 to 21.
For employment opportunities in school occupational therapy, please search the Jobs page.
License application for a school occupational therapist or school occupational therapy assistant.
Evidence-Based Practice
- Powerpoint Presentation on Using Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice developed by Dr. Steven Cope, Concordia University of Wisconsin, October 27, 2005
- Online Database List for finding abstracts and citations for individual articles and systematic reviews related to occupational therapy
Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy: A Resource and Planning Guide
OT and PT Resource and Planning Guide
This publication will help school staff and parents better understand the key roles occupational therapists and physical therapists play in the lives of children who need their services to benefit from their education. Their work supports our shared goal that every child will graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the workforce or higher education.
Upcoming Events
New to Schools Bootcamp
Are you a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Educational Audiologist (AuD), Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT) with 5 or fewer years of experience working in a school setting? Whether you are a new graduate or shifting job settings, this series is for you! From federal and state regulations to comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based, best practices, this series will prepare early career and new to schools professionals for school-based service delivery. Click on the registration flyer to sign up for this learning series.
Begin your learning now through the New to Schools Pre-Bootcamp Course on DPI’s LearnProfessional platform.
OT and PT Community of Practice
Join the OT and PT Community of Practice!
Connect with fellow school-based OTs and PTs for engaging, practical conversations focused on evidence-based practice, inclusive service delivery, MLSS, assessment, IEPs, and more. Each session offers opportunities to share resources, explore current practices, and collaborate around topics that matter to your work. Bring your questions, ideas, and expertise!
Five more sessions throughout the 2026–27 school year | 3:30–4:30 PM
Additional Resources for Occupational Therapy
- Department of Regulation and Licensing Occupational Therapy Page
- What is the Role of the School-Based Occupational Therapy Practitioner?, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
- Employment opportunities in school-based occupational therapy are found at the State of Wisconsin Job Seeker link.